CFLofficials

Canadian Football League

The Canadian Football League includes two divisions and nine teams, including the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Edmonton Eskimos, and BC Lions (West Division) and Toronto Argonauts and Ottawa Redblacks (East Division).

History and Developments

The history of Canadian football and the Canadian Football League begins in 1860 but it was only in the 1950s when WIFU and IRFU, the two senior leagues, became professional-level leagues. The Canadian Football Council was founded in 1956 as an umbrella organization of the two leagues. The CFL left two years later and by 1981 comprised 9 branches or franchises – the Montreal Alouettes, Ottawa Rough Riders, Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, etc.

Teams and Divisions

The West Division includes 5 teams, among which the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Edmonton Eskimos, which are publicly owned. The Calgary Stampeders are owned by Calgary Sports and Entertainment while David Braley is the owner of BC Lions. The East Division includes 4 teams, the oldest of which is the Toronto Argonauts, founded in 1873 and owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. The Ottawa Redblacks are owned by Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group and were founded in 2014, which makes it the newest team in the division. The Montreal Alouettes are owned by Bob Wetenhall and were founded in 1996 while the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are owned by Bob Young and were founded in 1950. When it comes to wins and losses, the Edmonton Eskimos have the most wins (11), followed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7) and the Toronto Argonauts (7).

Dissolved and Defunct Teams in Canada

There are defunct teams as well as teams that dissolved and never played. The Atlantic Schooners, for example, is a team that dissolved and the reason was lack of stadium. Defunct teams include the Ottawa Rough Riders and Ottawa Renegades.

Top Canadian Football Players

The list of top Canadian football players includes Mike Pringle (running back), Warren Moon (quarterback), George Reed (running back), Doug Flutie (quarterback), and many others. Jackie Parker who made top 5 played for the Edmonton Eskimos as a placekicker, defensive back, running back, and quarterback. George Reed played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders between 1963 and 1975 while Mike Pringle played for the Edmonton Eskimos, Montreal Alouettes, Baltimore Stallions, and Sacramento Gold Miners between 1954 and 1968. Doug Flutie is ranked number 1 in the list and is a former UCFL, CFL, and NFL quarterback. Recipient of the Heisman Trophy, Doug Flutie played for the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Eskimos, and BC Lions between 1990 and 1997. The list of top players also includes names such as John Helton (defensive lineman), Danny Kepley (linebacker), Allen Pitts (slotback), Garney Henley (wide receiver and defensive back), and many others.

The Canadian Professional Football Officials Association

The CFOA or Canadian Football Officials Association is a body founded by amateur football officials in 1969. The regional directorship of the association consists of 5 directors for the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and British Columbia and Alberta. The directors also serve as Vice-Presidents, Secretary Treasurer, and President. The list of member associations is quite long and includes Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, and other provinces and territories. Member associations are the Edmonton Football Officials Association, Calgary Football Officials Association, Kingston Football Officials Association, and others.

Athletic / Football Scholarships in Canada

Scholarships for student athletes are more limited in Canada compared to the U.S. Unfortunately, this means that Canadian universities are in a worse position when it comes to attracting the best athletes.

Scholarships in Canada and the U.S.

In 2014, CIS students in Canada received a total of about $16,000,000 in scholarships. Scholarships are worth $1,060 on average while tuition costs $5,000 - $6,000 per academic year in many universities. What is more, scholarships for students with disabilities are close to non-existent. In comparison, U.S. students are often awarded full scholarships, including tuition and room and board. Scholarships can reach $30,000 - $50,000, which is good news in light of the fact that tuition costs some $25,000 a year for a NCAA athlete. Canadian students enrolled in U.S. universities are also offered athletic scholarships provided that they play at a U.S college.

Athletic Scholarships and Awards

Universities in Canada offer athletic scholarships based on talent and other criteria. Funding can take different forms, including housing, merit awards, leadership awards, bursaries, and more. Scholarships are awarded to both non-entering and entering students in different disciplines, including hockey, golf, football, field hockey, fencing, and others. Students in other disciplines are also awarded scholarships, including water polo, track and field, Nordic skiing, rowing, cross country, etc. Athletic scholarships are conditional, meaning that they are awarded to students on OUA and U SPORTS teams. The list of awards in Canada includes the Gordon Cressy Leadership Award, John E. McCutcheon Award, Kirkwood Award, and more.

Other Forms of Financial Assistance and Funding

Student grants and loans are also available to help pay tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. A government loan is one option to consider if you are enrolled in a college or university. Post-secondary students qualify provided that they are enrolled part-time or full-time and demonstrate financial need. Applicants who are 22 or older are asked to pass a credit check. Student loans by banks and other private providers are a second option with a higher interest rate compared to government funding. What is more, borrowers make interest payments on a monthly basis while in college. With government loans, the repayment period begins 6 months after course completion. Repayment assistance is also available. A student credit card is yet another option to look into to pay daily and school-related expenses such as meals, transportation, textbooks, etc. All big banks, local banks, credit unions, and finance companies offer student cards. Students benefit in many ways, with incentives and perks such as competitive interest rates, welcome bonuses, money back, and a lot more. Some issuers advertise cards with student discounts at hundreds of retailers, including Aldo, Forever 21, Petro Canada, The Source, Thai Express, Old Navy, and others. Other benefits include no annual fee, air miles, free memberships, and a lot more. Applicants with no credit blemishes are usually approved. Apart from student cards, loans, and scholarships, there are other ways to cover expenses while in college, one being working on-campus or off-campus. If you have money in your savings account, this is also an option to meet daily or emergency expenses. And if your parents can lend you a helping hand, this is a great way to stay debt-free or cover some of your expenses.